Thirty four Classics students, accompanied by staff, enjoyed the bright sunshine of Lyon and Provence during the second week of half term to experience the amazing remains of the Roman empire. We collected a grand total of four theatres, two amphitheatres, two triumphal arches, a perfectly-preserved Roman temple and aqueduct, as well as many excellent museums. Students gained an excellent sense of the importance of the area in Roman times, listening attentively to the local guides and asking great questions. The opportunity to use their knowledge of the French language was an added bonus. There were many memorable moments: The Pont du Gard in the early morning and the Orange triumphal arch at dusk; the emotional rollercoaster of the trip quiz; all, however, surpassed perhaps by ice-cream in the sun in front of the Maison Carrée to the accompaniment of a jazz trumpet: o dulce otium!
